Suicide rates rise across US; Utah’s increase among the highest

ST. GEORGE – There has been a sharp increase in suicide rates across the country with Utah experiencing one of the biggest surges.

According to a recent report by St. George News, which cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides rates in the United States increased from 1999-2016. Utah, which had the fifth-highest suicide rate during studied years, had a 46.5 percent increase.

In Utah, suicide is the No. 1 cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 17, according to the report citing Utah health officials.